just an example so not the final ‘solution manual’ that you will need to follow
typical length that is expected, so nothing major
demonstrates how you have leveraged techniques learnt in this class to investigate problems at hand
Let’s take a quick look
Why there’s a Group/Individual (interview-based) Project
Practicing Research in non-academic setting
Reaching out to people with some predetermined agenda
Attempt on additional insight by taking in first-hand primary data through interviews
Something that wasn’t possible with existing framework on your more ‘academic’ research
Opportunity to collect data and synthesize insights
Recognize and celebrate the inherent bias that you bring in
Pros and Cons: Working as a Group vs. Individual
Working as a group, you will:
Get a chance to reach more people thus expanding your professional network
Write a smaller portion of the overall report on findings, however in the meantime
losing control over showflow and
unable to push the conversation in desired directions, potentially leaving questions unanswered.
Working as an individual, you will:
Reach more people (unlike previously which was per-person level) and expand professional network further
have more control over how the conversation goes and ask questions that resonates more with you,
free to manipulate the formation of your final group report to be more consistent with your vision yet
less likely to get more positive answer to do a sit-down interview, even a zoom-based one and
write the full report on one’s own and coming up with all questions that you’ll want to ask
Make your pick according to your liking.
Descriptive and Analytical Writing
Essense of Analytical Writing
What do you know about analytical writing?
Understanding the pivotal role of analytical writing in design.
Differentiating between descriptive and analytical approaches.
Exploring the impact of analytical writing on research and design outcomes.
Differentiating the two
Descriptive Writing:
Focuses on the “what.”
Provides a straightforward account without interpretation.
Example: “The user interface contains a navigation bar at the top.”
Analytical Writing:
Delves into the “why” and “how.”
Interprets data, identifies patterns, and evaluates significance.
Example: “Placing the navigation bar at the top enhances user accessibility, aligning with established usability principles.”
Output after careful thinking process rather than a recount/paragraphrasing.
Why should anyone try to learn/work with analytical writing?
Any obvious benefits?
Informed Decision-Making: Enables designers to base choices on thorough analysis rather than assumptions.
Effective Communication: Facilitates clear articulation of design rationale to stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Assists in identifying user pain points and developing targeted solutions.
Continuous Improvement: Encourages ongoing evaluation and refinement of design strategies.
Knowing the what, how do we enahcne analytical writing skills?
Just a few helpful tricks:
Engage in Active Reading: Critically assess texts, identifying key arguments and evidence.
Practice Writing Regularly: Analyze case studies, write reflections, and seek feedback.
Seek Diverse Perspectives: Consider multiple viewpoints to enrich analysis.
Utilize Frameworks: Apply models like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to structure analysis.
Activity: Identify the Writing Style
We’ll go through several examples. For each, determine if it’s descriptive or analytical. After your response, we’ll reveal the correct answer and discuss.
Example 1
“User engagement metrics have decreased by 20% over the past three months.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Descriptive
“User engagement metrics have decreased by 20% over the past three months.”
Rationale:
This statement simply reports a fact without exploring underlying reasons or implications.
Example 2
“The decline in user engagement over the past three months suggests that recent interface changes may have negatively impacted user experience, highlighting the need for usability testing.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Analytical
“The decline in user engagement over the past three months suggests that recent interface changes may have negatively impacted user experience, highlighting the need for usability testing.”
Rationale:
This statement interprets the observed data, proposes a potential cause, and recommends further action, demonstrating analytical writing.
Example 3
“Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that arranges human needs in a pyramid, with physiological needs at the base and self-actualization at the top.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Descriptive
“Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that arranges human needs in a pyramid, with physiological needs at the base and self-actualization at the top.”
Rationale:
This statement provides a description of the theory without evaluating its implications or validity.
Example 4
“While Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a foundational framework for understanding human motivation, it has been critiqued for its rigid structure and lack of consideration for cultural variations in prioritizing needs.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Analytical
“While Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a foundational framework for understanding human motivation, it has been critiqued for its rigid structure and lack of consideration for cultural variations in prioritizing needs.”
Rationale:
This statement assesses the theory’s strengths and weaknesses, incorporating critical analysis.
Example 5
“Survey results show that 60% of respondents prefer online shopping over in-store shopping.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Descriptive
“Survey results show that 60% of respondents prefer online shopping over in-store shopping.”
Rationale:
This statement presents data without analyzing underlying factors or implications.
Example 6
“The survey indicating that 60% of respondents prefer online shopping reflects a significant shift towards digital retail platforms, likely influenced by factors such as convenience and broader selection.”
Is this descriptive or analytical?
Answer: Analytical
“The survey indicating that 60% of respondents prefer online shopping reflects a significant shift towards digital retail platforms, likely influenced by factors such as convenience and broader selection.”
Rationale:
This statement interprets the data, considers contributing factors, and discusses broader implications, exemplifying analytical writing.
Key Takeaways
Descriptive Writing: Focuses on stating facts and observations without interpretation.
Analytical Writing: Involves interpreting data, evaluating significance, and exploring implications.
Aim to incorporate analytical writing in your academic work to demonstrate critical thinking and depth of understanding.
Welcome to In-Class Analytic Polishing!
Objective:
- Develop your analytical writing skills by examining and revising your literature review or methodology sections.
- Engage in collaborative activities to practice critical analysis.
Today’s Activities:
1. Peer Review: In pairs, analyze each other’s writing using guided questions.
2. Reverse Outlining: Break down a text (yours or a provided sample) to identify strengths and gaps.
Stage 1: Peer Review Activity
Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
Pair Up: Find a partner in the room - or whoever you sit next to.
Exchange Materials: Share your literature review or methodology section (or use the provided sample).
Guided Review: Use these questions as you read your partner’s work:
Thesis & Argument:
Is the thesis clear and arguable?
Does the argument show critical evaluation rather than just stating facts?
Use of Evidence:
Is evidence well integrated and analyzed?
Does the writer explain the significance of each piece of evidence?
Structure & Flow:
Are the ideas presented logically?
Do transitions connect the analysis throughout the paper?
Goal:
- Provide constructive feedback focused on deepening the analysis.
Stage 2: Reverse Outlining Exercise
Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
Choose Your Text: Pick a section from your own work or use the provided sample text.
Number Each Paragraph: Write numbers in the margin for clarity.
Summarize Each Paragraph: In one sentence, capture the main idea or argument of each paragraph.
Evaluate the Outline:
Ask yourself: Does each summary contribute to your overall argument?
Identify any parts that are merely descriptive rather than analytical.
Plan Revisions: Mark paragraphs that need more critical insight or better integration of evidence.
Goal:
- Reveal the structure and flow of your argument. - Identify areas where you can add deeper analysis or clarity.
On Writing Sample
Reflection & Discussion
Discussion Questions:
- What new insights did you gain about your own writing from these activities?
- How can the feedback from your peer review inform your revisions?
- What specific changes will you make to improve the analytical depth of your paper?
Next Steps:
- Revise your draft based on the insights and feedback received. - Schedule a follow-up session if you need additional support on integrating analytical writing techniques.